How can Singapore strengthen its social cohesion as it plans to in the face of a crisis?
Perhaps crises help. One of the reasons Singapore society has been cohesive over these last 30 years is because it went through searing formative experiences in the 1960s against the communists before Malaysia, then against the communalists in Malaysia, then when the British left, we faced a dire threat to our livelihoods. We had to pull together and stay together. This current experience is a similar challenge to a new generation of Singaporeans. This is an unpredictable environment. We need the confidence that whatever happens around us, we have the wherewithal and the wits to survive it and to pull through. We must convince Singaporeans that they have reasons for confidence — in Singapore, in their leaders, and in themselves. We can make it, whatever the upheavals, riots, and disturbances in the region. Our bonuses may be cut, but nobody will starve. We are in this boat together; the rich are not looking after themselves and leaving the poor in the lurch. If we manage the crisis th
